| |
Images from The Beede
Gallery
Haidi or Aizai, China, early 20th century
Click on images below to see larger images
NMM 1531. Haidi or aizai, China, early 20th century. Conical, double-reed instrument of the suona family. This smaller variant is commonly used in wedding processions. Scalloped wooden body with copper bell. The haidi, or "sea flute," is a regular member of Chinese opera ensembles. Arne B. Larson Collection, 1979.
Pirouette and Reed
|
Reed made of riverweed, wrapped with wire prior to insertion into the pirouette. To play, the entire reed is placed inside the mouth and the player's lips are pressed against the metal disc at the upper end of the pirouette. Musicians employ circular breathing to maintain a continuous supply of air passing through the reed.
|
Chinese Characters on Body and View of Bell Interior
Chinese characters painted on the body (left) may refer to the troupe which used the instrument, rather than to the maker.
Image Showing Haidi on an Undated Postcard, ca. 1900-1915

Click arrow to
continue Beede Gallery Tour
Go to
Beede Gallery Tour Index
Go to Virtual Gallery Tour Index
Go to Annotated Checklist of Musical Instruments From East Asia on Display at the NMM
National Music Museum
The University of South Dakota
414 East Clark Street
Vermillion, SD 57069
|
|
|